Welcome to the first My Take the New Year. Or it states that many don’t want to begin this in a fashion on TV that dealt with Trauma.

Spolier Alert: Trauma is not new. I’ll clarify on why it is.

Throughout our history growing up in various circumstances, the issue of Trauma really hits us early. No matter if it’s in the family, neighborhoods, churches, jobs, or any other matter of speaking that many already know. Traumatic experiences come in many forms. Many examples and many angles. We all read about them and we all summarize it and usually don’t have answers. We don’t have ideas to convey the solutions at times. But there are some solutions that can cope with the valor of the effects of Trauma. In 2018, my home church had the third installment of Trauma that was about Healing the Family. And one of the speakers, laid in very well detailed information about trauma ranging from Slavery, to family conflicts, and the haunting memories of the pain and suffering about the use of trauma that stays hidden, but the wounds open up years later during adulthood. The speaker said over and over again: “Trauma is not new!” It’s not!

There were several clauses that compelled the issue of trauma ranging from Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome, Racism and Oppression, Stockholm Syndrome Traumatic Bonding, Psycho-Physical Trauma, and Psychological Warfare, just to name a few. And what does this have to do with the black community? Part of this is not new in the black community because many of us know this very well. And it ties into today’s era that many are still scared to talk about. But why???? Is it fate? Is it going to break the family apart forever? Or is it just happenstance? And many wonder why it’s so hard to break that pain of traumatic stress NOW!

Speaking of that, there was a special that was aired on the Lifetime Channel regarding R. Kelly: Surviving R. Kelly. This special aired on three consecutive nights that the women in the special had all their say or commentary about their experiences in regarding R. Kelly. Many have said over and over again that R. Kelly had “sexual advances” towards the young girls over and over many times. And even “marrying and sexual advancing” the late great Aaliyah. Which was a false statement. As I’m watching this, many had to be like why it took this long for the women, who were traumatized by all this pain and suffering had to be succumbed to stay silent and tell their sides of the stories later on as adults? Why do the women who had to sit in front of the camera tearing up are doing this? I get it that it has hit hard on them, and many had to feel for them, but many are asking, why now? Why not then?

Many had to keep quiet about the secrets. Many had to keep quiet about the claims, or the backdoor politics to allow the alleged to walk scot free. Yes, many claimed that R. Kelly probably told the women of now, girls then to keep their mouths shut and never break a word to anyone getting all hyper-emotional years later. Well, guess what, their silence is broken. Plus in all the long traumatic commentary, it seems that also that many are calling this foul ball: It’s all fake, trying to get money, trying to be famous or just yet just want to exploit the real deal about R. Kelly that many feel it’s false. Or speaking of that, many black women and black men are actually defending R. Kelly! Are you kidding me?!!! And not only that, many folks whom have Spotify, probably logging in so many times to play R. Kelly’s music in positive aspects. But these are the folks whom probably don’t care, they are still going to play his music, watch his videos online (music videos) in all. And many still are doing it. I have some of R. Kelly’s music in my collection and I haven’t played them in a long while. Just never did. I just left them alone.

When I looked at all the segments, it brought me back to all the talk about Trauma and the effects of it. The women in the special had a traumatic reaction from the past and it’s something that they can’t shake. Many also had to ask, what compelled R. Kelly to do these things that many are assuming or believing? What is causing the matter of this to occur so many times before? Was this done to him when he was younger growing up in Chicago? As a matter of fact, when he was younger according to a previously recorded footage in the special, he was sexually approached. By one of his sisters! He said it! And he also said that it was a common thing in his family. So what do we have here is a long mental health problem. A Psychological Traumatic Problem. A problem being messed up in the community that has been aware for a long time. Especially in the black families!

This sort of reminds me of a old Chris Rock joke; no pun intended. About not leaving the kids with Uncle Johnny. He summarized about those molesting Uncles that many need to watchout for. This probably was about 2004, during his “Never Scared” segment. It may seemed funny in all, but in reality, as everyone knows, it’s the truth!

So why I’m posting about trauma here on the spot? Many of us probably encountered Trauma in various ways. Families, the workplaces, organizations, the Church, and many many different groups and cliques that we associate with EVERYDAY! Even memories being tormented or attacked of ANY KIND, even embarrassed. No matter the feeling or angle it’s all related. So again, Trauma IS NOT NEW!!!!!

And even this has nothing to do with R. Kelly alleged Sex Scandals with the young girls (now adults) you have 800,000 workers in the U.S. Government that can’t get paid due to the crappy stuff about 45’s Wall. They can’t feed their families, getting the bills paid, and any other necessity that folks need everyday. And oh, even the U.S. Coast Guard under the Department of Homeland Security! Talk about TRAUMA! This crap of this so-called president taking away paychecks for a useless wall is just that: USELESS! And this is called Making America Great Again?! For all you 45 Trump Supporters about this, are you happy about this?! And don’t even front.

So yes, this is how 2019 got started, where the ending of 2018 was left undone: devolving the ability to suck out the soul of the middle class. And I know that the new House members are in place. We got a fight on our hands now which is NOT familiar! And as far as R. Kelly is concerned, already he’s feeling the heat of all this scandalous checkered past of the accusers and also recently, Sony has cut ties with him since the #SurvivingRKelly special aired on Cable TV. And about the Spotify rating that got R. Kelly’s music on rotation, I’m scratching my head on that one. Really I am. (Spoiler Alert, there will be a first Scratching my Head of the year)

If these things are not being called out or being mentioned, I’m just saying. The backdoor has been left WIDE OPEN and many folks just come in like it’s nothing. Time to fix it and shut it down!

Welcome to the blog story that is traditional. Let’s review of what I said last year with a twist:

Like Sgt. Hulka used to say in the movie Stripes: “before we proceed any further, we gotta get something straight.”

I’m going to be taking this blog to new heights. It’s not just going to be the same old song and dance. Nope, that is going to be one and done. It’s going to more than just one blog story. No matter if you are in America or in freaking India, be ready. This blog thing will one day, get real. If I got to get my Periscope, or own video thing on here to help my stories, well: that’s what I have to do one day. What does all this mean? It means that I have to get better with the idea of blogging with the issues and concerns. I have to. It’s not just that thing that needs to be done, it must be done to improve. To inspire and yes, to get to the point of view that I need to display.

Yes, folks will walk tall, shoulders back, chin up, conscious up to the 10th level, and of course, this is an idea that would be beneficial. I thought about destroying this blog and ending a 10+ year streak, all because of other concerns of boredom or that same story. But wait…..this could be a benefit to help and inspire. While many might think that one story from a blog is all there is, think again!

“Stephen’s Spot” is not just about one blog story. Or one picture. Or one anything. It can be revolutionary, inspirational, conscious, fun, life experienced, or just plain normal. It’s not a one dance show. It’s one in the million that can be experienced if many take the time to read more than one. Now, I know many are just now discovering the blog based on what I have written back in 2014 or whatever. But if you (yes you) the reader actually like what I write here, in a sense of right now, thank you.

Knowingly I can’t control what others might read, but by me writing more, and thinking more, it will be fully objectionable for me to carry on. I’m in the 40-year-old plus age bracket, and yes this age bracket will indeed test my theory and summarize.

So guess what: you want Stephen’s Spot? I’ll give you Stephen’s Spot! This is no same old song and dance. Nope, not here!

So for now: let’s start my New Year’s Tradition of Stephen’s Spot that doesn’t need a repeat: What do I want to see and not want to see in 2019! 19 things by the way.

It’s GO TIME!

First Five I want to see in THAT YEAR OF 2019:

Employment/Health & Wellness/Politics/Voting

1) It’s time to work, folks. If this is the year that you will get that real job, the time is now! No more wasting time by waiting on others. It won’t work. We need to have a “Career Awareness Month”. We need to have better job fairs, career expos, have a “seasonal vet” career fair for the mature folks. Not that watered down stuff that many are getting. Even if you still have that degree in the display, that many will pass up. We have to do EXTRA better.

2) If you got to get yourself checked, do it. You know where the doctors are. As well as the dentists, eye examination folks and more. Matter of fact some of them might be near you right now. And while we’re at it, we need to for real get educated about the issues of health. I hear say, “you need to do this or that”. or “you need a flu shot.” BEFORE ANY THAT HAPPENS: ASK QUESTIONS! Forget what you saw on Facebook, know that real stuff first! Really stop and ask definite questions!

3) 2019 also means that the Congress will take over with some new #45 laws being placed unfairly. If any of the new members screw up, get on their case! Don’t just complain on social media, complain to the So-and-sos! Write letters or emails with proper sentences! You can do that, you know. Oh, and if you approve of the work that some or many are doing to help this country and mainly in your districts, show some love! Volunteer or work on their staff, help in politics on their behalf. Be an Able Body Person to carry that out!

4) You should know that 2019 is a “mini” voting year? Oh, you didn’t know this? Pay attention! It’s not the Presidential election, but maybe some of your County Judges or Superintendents will up be running on the ballot. Do better!

5) Speaking of the voting thing, this would be a good time to get your voter registration checked and/or updated to get ready for the 2019-20 election years. I want to see this happen even more. Forget waiting until 2020! It’s best to do it NOW!

Next Five I don’t want to see:Church/African-Americans/Credit Checks/Not Voting

6) Like last year, and the year before that and previous years: I don’t want to see NO ONE complaining about the lack of this or that in the church. If you don’t have a certain something going in your church, then make something happen! Keep at it! What did I say after my father’s passing in 2017: Be empowered, and Stay in the fight!

7) And like many many years ago: I don’t want to see black folks putting other black folks down for stupid pathetic reasons! No matter what happens we must continue to look in the mirror and raise up. Either for Jobs, Education (past or present) contributions, clubs/organizations etc. And that goes for anyone else. It doesn’t matter what you got with you. Either way, NO EXCUSES!

8) Never EVER OVERLOOK THIS: Black Queens: you say you LOVE us Black Kings right? DO YOU?! Here is a “whenever you get a chance” challenge that you might not think. Cater to us for ONE DAY at a restaurant, or maybe give us a day that we might enjoy. Think it over! Many of you got Brothers, Fathers, Uncles, Husbands, Boyfriends, Cousins, Neighbors, and many other male influences that you probably know that need that appreciation! Even Black Kings whom you overlook a lot, never thought about, or being Single and no relationships. You guys go all out for your thing and we’re in the seats. Why not us?

9) I HOPE TO GOD, I don’t want to see credit checks on black folks no more. Matter of fact, not on anyone anywhere with credit checks!

10) I don’t want to see those who didn’t vote to gloat. Guess what: Elections have Consequences. Period!

Five More things I want to see:

Alumni Associations/Results Doing Actual Work and Milestones/ Black Church Groups/Black Community/Fraternities and Sororities

11) I want to see more of us ALUMNI (YOUNG AND OLD) to reinvest in our Alumni Groups. Not just for the class reunions and everyone also shows up broke, mad, left out and uninformed. If you get pissed about not being informed about a class reunion or gathering, DO NOT GET MAD AT THE ALUMNI COMMITTEE! You need to be backing up your Alumni Contacts from your classmates, anyway. And if your Alumni Organizations messes up, get on their case!

12) I want to see the results of us “doing the work”. Not just the partial results of patting on the back and say “nice work”. But also what did it took to get the results needed. And if your employee is celebrating a milestone of service (10, 20, etc), give him or her the due of respect. It’s the right thing to do. Or even if no one gives you a pin of service: give yourself one!

13) I want us “non-scared and scared grown folks in the Black Church Groups” to talk to our youth. Seriously talk to them. Some of them need us to come to them. I don’t care if they are in the schools shooting basketballs or at the community centers or in church playing Chess or Madden. Or double dutching, or even learning a praise dance. Even tutoring and READING BOOKS! Let’s learn to #HashtagAndTalk to our young folks. Male members of the church: get the young men involved in these groups! Women, you know what it is.

14) I want to see more black folks in the communities who think there is nothing there to do, start something! Stop complaining! Stop moaning! Get up and get out and make the stuff happen! Such as Health stuff, job applications, resumes, networking, organizing a business venture. Able Body folks, if you’re still standing outside of a Walgreens or a Gas Station asking for money, and if you can still move around, get inside that building and ask for an application! Why is that so hard?

15) Like last year and year ago, here is a thought: I want to see ALL fraternities, and ALL sororities to “recruit and meet up” with seasoned vets that can help out. Especially those of the black fraternities and sororities. All of the Divine 9 folks: From the Alphas to the Iotas and from the AKA’s to the Sigma Gamma Rho’s: Have a day in which YOU need to go out to the seasoned vets of those who are 40-ish and up that want to join up to support the groups you represent. And also, don’t be so VERY judgmental about those who are at that 40’s range. The best place to find us: either at our church events, alumni group meetings, etc. And this goes for the American Legion Family, Masons, Elks, Eastern Stars, and etc. WE SEE YOU! You need to re-introduce yourselves!

Final four: I want not to see and want to see.Black Lives Matter/Volunteerism/Grown After 18/If it doesn’t work…..

16) Of all the things I don’t want to see: enough of the blame game on Black Lives Matter that seemed violent or racist. For all you Blue Lives Matter or copying off the Black Lives Matter Movement, you will suck. Instead of hating on Black Lives Matter at least go to a meeting or hear from those who lost a brother, or sister or a parent that was black. Take notes, Blue Lives Matter. And don’t front!MASSIVE NEW YEAR’S CALLOUT: And also white folks: enough calling the cops on black folks doing CIVILIZED stuff like campaigns, jobs, barbecues, community projects, volunteering or even waiting on a client, going into their apartment, swimming, selling lemonade, or to be SEATED AT A RESTAURANT OR AT STARBUCKS! Be advised and WARNED; if you work at a job, you will be fired for these stupid acts! And it takes a SMARTPHONE with video to get you TERMINATED!

17) Now, this probably might work in this 2019: Get grown in your own work and volunteerism. We know what we need to do, and what to do this year. So why not get involved? And the time is right now! Didn’t I say it’s time to work?

18) This is for the grown folks 18 and up: HANDLE your grown business! After all, we supposed to be grown after 18, right?

19) If any of the plans that don’t work, This should be seen and heard by EVERYONE: If there are things that might be difficult, stressful, unhealthy, not financially, and many others, Leave it alone! Find a Plan B, or what you know best and stick to that! Keywords: PLAN B!

For all of the Sagittarius folks that had a birthday, still celebrating a birthday or will celebrate a birthday, Happy Birthday to all of us. Even happy birthday to me that just went around for the 42nd time on December 5th. You other zodiacs…..it’s not your turn, but you’re welcome to see this with a someone that is a Sagittarius. We still rock the 9th house with that royal purple and arrow glyphs.

How’s the Bows and Arrows holding up Sagittarians? We still aiming? If we are still aiming, keep aiming I have a news to share to talk about a thing called, a breakthrough. When we see a breakthrough or talk about a breakthrough, we are expecting a thing that is totally different than it was in a previous state. We want or need to expect a breakthrough to be better, level up, improve or just making a thing happen for the benefit of us or yourselves. No matter if it’s a new job or the same job. No matter if it’s dealing with a health illness, or being diagnosed with a health illness. No matter if it’s going through money issues, or having a chance to get that money in a way to invest, grow or getting that bonus from work for the holiday season. No matter what it is, the issue of breakthrough must be put on the table to gain that motivation to propel us to the next level!

9th house Brothers and Sisters, yes we want to get the breakthrough factor. We want it so bad that it needs to happen now. But however: It’s not going to happen instantly! Listen, now. In the era of fake news, alternative facts, folks getting all hypersensitive over Christmas Songs or animal idioms (wait until the next pre Christmas blog of my commentary on this), or even rushed Microwave ideas that drive us nuts, we must remind ourselves that we still need to seek the truth, be optimistic and still aim for the real targets that we should be aiming all the time every day!

In the past year, back in February, I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. And the thing is I remember that feeling like many of you who are diabetic like, how has this happened? All those times I should have been going to the doctor getting checked up in all. And yet, I knew that most the time, I have to remember that African-Americans like myself could be at risk for Diabetes if not treated properly by eating the right foods and getting enough cardiovascular exercise 30 minutes a day. Now its been 10 months since my diagnosis and I have seemed to get the hang of it by trying to shoot the target of controlling diabetes every time I go on the treadmill or exercise bike or maybe just walking. And the breakthrough I want in this: I want to have an ability that this diagnosis will NOT STOP ME! Like many before me and with me, that I have things to do. Like getting a good paying job, do my best in what I do mostly and get away with it. Yes, I’m still single with no kids. AT 42! How many 42-year-olds right now can actually say that? Not many. And many are at my current new age that is married, have kids, or have an acquaintance that they trust. I don’t have that special acquaintance on my arm at the moment, but in order for me to have that as an example: there needs to be a “level of trust”. A simple LEVEL of trust! No judgment factors. No assumptions. Just let that person allow me to be me. If I want to go to a Milwaukee Bucks game on my own, I’ll do it. Hey, I just did it on my Birthday and came back in one piece. One the “breakthroughs” that was recently discovered that part of the reasons I explore on my own, is really my introversion. Yes, Sagittarius folks I am an Introvert. Matter of fact, I’m an Introvert Sagittarius, or a December Born Introverted Sagittarius. Found out about that about 3 Christmas holidays ago. And I studied and reviewed and I’m still exploring that voyage about the thought of being an introvert. After all Sagittarians, we all explore like Voyagers, right? It’s in our 9th house DNA to seek out new things and ideas for the better. And take our targets to lock on.

Sagittarians: this is our challenge between now and next year and every day: we need breakthroughs! We need breakthroughs in our daily lives that can be better all the time. Of course, it’s going to take a lot of work and dedication, but as you will hear in the next video from the Quietest Revolution: it can be done!

I got to say something about these tarot card reading videos. Amber Khan takes the tarot readings on a whole new level. For this video: it’s for us 9th House folks. She does a good job breaking it down in summary of what we go through and how to get to that next point for improvement and such. I know it’s a Tarot thing and it’s not a visit to the doctor’s office. But hey, what she said in this has some truths.

“Shoot your Shot!” as she would say.

We need to take our shots, focus more and have the ability to have that “can do mentality” of getting things done no matter what. We can do this. If it’s been on your mind, on your heart or whatever and if it’s been an idea that has clouded you for a long time, and all this time it’s drawing you over and over again in various issues: then it’s time! Many of us now, and as well as when the other Zodiacs take over the baton, we Sag folks need to stay in practice and be ready every time to prepare our bows and arrows when those things happen. The mindset will be a lot clearer and understandable and overall; it will be making a lot of sense!

And even if you fail and bounce back in your craft! Read this next:

This past summer, I had a chance to be a Summer Developer for my church. And the sole purpose was to supposed to gain more insight in our ongoing support of our Veterans. And I had a lot of barriers in the way. Dealing with family members in the hospitals and one of my first cousins being celebrated in death. All this year. And when it came for the evaluation, I was VERY EMBARRASSED. I got my (())# kicked. It was so stupid. And also, we had a guest pastor visiting us and hearing all this and even it was more embarrassing! I didn’t want to talk the next day. Nor I didn’t want to go to church at all that day. My Sagittarian butt should have been at home watching the Packer game. Oh yes, my pastor and I had a talk. And the thing is I busted my butt off what I could do in all to try to make this work. Of all that, in small details, it wasn’t enough. It was mostly a failure and not very good. Warning to us introverts in the church.

A month later, I was invited to a Church Homecoming Anniversary. And I had a thought previously that I should leave my Nikon camera at home in all, but I took it with me. When I got to the church, one of my Wisconsin State Senators, Lena Taylor was visiting and preparing to give the Keynote address. But BEFORE THAT HAPPENED: The Pastor and one of the Youth Reps approached me in greeting, and I told them both that I had no idea that Senator Lena Taylor was going to be here, and my Nikon Camera was in the car. So what is a Sag have to do? I went back to my car, got the camera and took the shots for the church’s homecoming. Even taking pics of the kids reading poems and many others. And even taking pics of my State Senator giving the keynote address. At the end of the night and several nights later, I had to say to myself: “Stephen, that is YOU! That church summer developer thing was crap! From now on, you stay taking pictures. And do what you ALWAYS do best!” And yet being a photo guy or a photographer per se is a Sagittarius Quality, and an Introvert Quality. I was reminded that my late Grandfather (who was not a Sagittarius, but more like a Virgo or Libra) that he once said:

“If are certain things that you can’t handle, leave it alone!”

That quote was introduced to me as a teen in all, BUT now in my 40’s, it’s the realization that there will be things that we will not do properly will be kept alone, and just focus on what we can do and level up better than before. My Sagittarian dudes and girls, that is a prime example of bouncing back. We got recuperative powers to elevate our comebacks! This is part of us that we should know and understand. And just like anything else, if one thing doesn’t work, try the things that can work to elevate your game whatever it might be. If you’re not a classic talker in public, be part of the listening audience that can give you the insight. If a certain job you tried is not working well and it’s new, go back to the old job that really stood you out in the beginning! And yet my Sagittarian blog readers, that will also keep our aims deadlocked!

In conclusion, as I close, that us “half human half horse arrow shooting fire sign on the third scale”:, we are reminded that things will go wrong and we must find a way to work with it. This is the second birthday without my dad since last year, and yes I’m still working on the things that need to be reasonable! We have to do it, and we need to take a chance and go for it. Like the lyrics in Rocky V, “Heart and Fire” – Go for it.

Sagittarius folks: We are rockers! We rock this business and we rock this game. Let’s go forth and continue to show the world and others, and us, who we are, and what we’re all about: A 9th house zodiac that will not die without a fight!

Happy Birthday, Sagittarians! And in the words of the Milwaukee Brewers, the 2018 NL Central Division Champs with Christian Yelich the 2018 NL’s MVP and a December 5th born Sag himself: “LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

So: Let’s Go, Sagittarius! We got Arrows and Bows to grind and fight every day!

Everyone knows how this goes yet again. And it’s really simple. No need to link or google or even #Hashtag. Today, many around the country and in the household or other areas, we Americans will be celebrating that holiday of food called Thanksgiving. From the Parades to the NFL Games, Dog Shows, or other new traditional ideas that will boost the food day. And yes, there will be us going out to the clubs and shaking off the pounds to get loose for Christmas. Or staying home for the house parties.

And yes, there will be constant reminders of the horrors that our Native American brothers and sisters will not participate in this Thanksgiving Day due to the killing of their ancestors outside of a church on a Sunday morning many moons ago. Henceforth, The National Day of Mourning. We know this.

But this holiday, yes does have the two words of Be Thankful for the things and ideas we already have. So here in its 11th Anniversary tradition, here is another traditional Stephen’s Spot Thanksgiving Blog of “Be Thankful”. Break out the tablets, Smartphones, PC’s or laptops. Start reading!

If you have a GOOD PAYING job that is good for you and it pays well, be thankful.

If you don’t have a job and still looking and STILL not quitting, be thankful!

If you have good insurance, either health, auto, home or dental STILL be thankful.

If you have a good car or truck that gets you to work every day, and still runs well with or without repair be thankful.

If you FINALLY have a good doctor or you still don’t have one, but still want to get that monkey (and constant NAGGING) off your back, STILL be thankful about improving your health. And STILL trying. Take your time!

Now I need to say this: If you found out that you have a chronic illness like Diabetes, and you had a devastating moment of asking why it happened and didn’t have the words. But also you had conversations and online postings about those who have it already and knows the feelings of the battles, and you learn from them and they can inspire you to be better and get with the program of what they know, and still believe that it’s possible that you control diabetes and not let it get the best of you. In the month of National Diabetes Awareness Month: BE THANKFUL that you have a support system that can back you up. I’m learning that since February 20th this year. And personally, if you read my blog story about me being a now Type 2 Diabetic, I thank you.

If you have a cool dentist and he or she is good and professional, be thankful.

Like any year, if you have lost any loved one this year or years past, and still feel down that the space is empty or the chair is empty, and you want to fill it up with a new generation of family members that want to pull ahead, even close friends, we must try to be thankful to carry on. It’s hard, but we must. I still miss my father, and like last year, my Thanksgiving will be different without him.

If you had folks praying for you all year for all the things you’ve been experienced no matter good or bad, be thankful that there are folks that know, and are in your corner.

If you are expecting a raise in 2019 and will be getting it, be thankful!

Do you still love your gifts and talents that are unappreciated? And still, do them all the time? Be thankful!

If you still got your parents and/or relatives as your back up, be thankful that they still care.

If you had a sibling in the freaking hospital more than once, who is being taken care of and heard good news about coming home, and I know this AGAIN: BE THANKFUL!

If your Mother had a minor surgery done to remove kidney stones, and blood infections, and still be able to eat or move around then some: BE THANKFUL!

Got good neighbors that know you no matter how long? Be thankful.

Met any new neighbors lately? Be thankful.

Moved to a different city recently that you feel is best? Be thankful.

Moved back to a city that is best? Be Thankful.

Got a good plan to get that next step in your career, or a different career, and a mindset? Be thankful.

If you encountered a project or program that really SUCKED MAJOR BALLS and you tried your best, and you had a bad review to feel discouraged in all, but you also realized that there are other things you can do, still be thankful that you can still other things that make you stronger! To hell with the things that don’t work. Stay with the things that can work.

For all of my church folks: if you want your Church to succeed despite those want it to fail due to jealousy, BE THANKFUL that you are willing to fight!

If your birthday or anniversary is coming up or it already happened, be thankful!

If you are STILL very introverted and darn proud of it, and not ashamed to tell about it or embrace it, be thankful!

Single and not in a relationship? Be thankful.

Married with or without kids? Be thankful.

Single and no kids? Be thankful.

Single with kids? Be Thankful.

Divorced? Be thankful.

You still have a church home that you stay and willing to have your kids to grow IN THE CHURCH? Be thankful.

If you have been given a side gig, and love it to be paid with that cash money or checks, no matter what it is, be thankful.

Got a good pet or know a pet that knows you well? Be thankful.

If you STILL give back to your community, your Alumni, your Church, your Scholarship Committees, your Fraternity, your Sorority, your Unions or other groups that have been treating you good all this time, be thankful!

If you have served in your community as an Election Inspector (like me) for 12 years or more and still work, BE THANKFUL!

Wisconsin: If you have voted in this Election and if your favorite actually WON, BE THANKFUL!

If you STILL appreciate the value of your former teachers or coaches, or former principals, of anyone that knew your value of education, be thankful.

If you can’t wait to eat the meal that gives you life, be thankful you can still eat the grub.

Still avoiding fake news? Be thankful. They suck.

If you read the old blogs that I can’t control the reading, but still want to read what I want to say regardless from my black point of view, be thankful! Not just for me, but for you.

If you STILL got stuff in your house that you want to give away, be thankful. Somebody will take it.

Got a good business handy? And it’s good for you to make that money like Uber or Lyft or It Works? Hey, be thankful!

If you switch your career to a new company in the past year or will go to a new company, be thankful!

Own a business? Got your own time schedule? Invested in a product or material? Be thankful.

If you got many reachable sources to give, or to provide, or to share, or to support, and it’s really catching on, you better be thankful!

If you are planning to vote in 2019 and 2020, be thankful! Get your ballots ready.

If you are looking forward to another holiday weekend of fun, be thankful.

If you are NOT shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend Black Friday outdoors in the woods or parks, Be Thankful! It’s a release to avoid a violent backlash.

If you are not shopping on Black Friday, but willing to spend your cash at a local business, or on Cyber Monday, be thankful.

If you are donating to your favorite charity on Giving Tuesday, Be thankful!

If you can’t wait to deck your halls for Christmas or Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa, AFTER Thanksgiving (some of you did it ahead of time) Be Thankful.

If you criticized Donald Trump for his “horrible so-far job” as President and his tweets, REALLY BE THANKFUL!

If you are breathing right now normally: be thankful.

If you were removed from a company that had you started in the game, then a rift in Management occurred, but went to another company that is good so far, BE THANKFUL!

If many in the black community have black pride PLUS Melanin Responsibility to uplift our black people without sarcasm and forced stuff, BE THANKFUL!

Now I have to say this again: If you kneeled while supported the protest of inhumane acts of people of getting brutalized by the police (as in the NFL Players) and support the idea of waving the flag: your thankfulness is valid because even though many of you supported a kneeling movement in a Colin Kaepernick way. NOTE: It’s not about the Flag or against the military or veterans. It’s about the ongoing concern of black folks getting the wrong treatments of social injustice!

If you are walking tall real good, be thankful.

If you are expecting a really good breakthrough, BE THANKFUL!

If you condemn any racist act on the internet, social media, at your job, or in the house, or in the neighborhood, or any act of disrespect, forced patriotism, and you had to write letters of complaints to a certain company, STILL be always thankful to get your voice heard! Put the pressure on them on not coming back!

If you are upgrading your house to be better, be thankful!

If you got a plan to take a vacation, be thankful.

If you still got your old game systems on a Throwback Thursday and they still work, be thankful!

If you still listen to your old school joints on your radio, or maybe some new school material, be thankful.

NOTE: For my readers that had to go through hell with the wildfires in California, and the Hurricanes out east, and still feeling hopeless. I want you all to understand that it’s a hard Thanksgiving Day for you as we know. But in a sense, you should be thankful that you can rebuild. And BE EXTRA THANKFUL that yet, you are still living! And be EXTRA EXTRA EXTRA THANKFUL that a breakthrough is coming for the better!

If you are a conscious-minded person, a defensive-minded person that you know is best, for your own opinions and viewpoints without any harm or hurtful feelings towards humanity, be thankful!

As of today: I’m thankful that Stephen’s Spot has now reached 1,000 posts! If you read all or some of a few blog posts within the past decade in all: BE THANKFUL! And I thank you for reading! More to come.

For my Sagittarius readers: guess what? Our season is back TODAY on Thanksgiving Day! Are we thankful, now? (SAGS RULE!)

And finally: If I missed anything that many have thought about, and it’s good: we all should be and forever so thankful that we must march on. Like they say at the black funerals: It’s already been said. It’s already done.

Men of the world: Today of the 19th Day of November, is our annual day of us. International Men’s Day is here and yet many still complain. I think the many that are complaining are those of the feminists who constantly bash men like a bad habit. Females, you need to calm your nerves in all, this part is just for the guys. And there is a message in all this: it’s just our one stinking day of being appreciated.

With all that’s going on in the world full of mostly men wrecking the shops like ill-mannered clockwork, it’s safe to say that yes, there are of us that do the manly things around the game that need and should be paying attention too. Of course, men have to step up. OF COURSE! But the question is: how?

Here in Milwaukee, my local United Methodist Men’s folks within the past year have the decision to come together to generate our ability to revive a Men’s Group. In a way to get us actively involved in our local United Methodist Churches and also among each other. In a way of evangelism, mission, and outreach. And other factors that favor men. Here is the kicker: Men’s group in churches are a gray area. It’s not like the well rounded like the women’s groups. Yes, the women outnumber the dudes 3 to 1 in about everything. But the dudes have and must hold their own! Of course, we heard about the Men being the Heads and women being the tails. But mainly folks are forgetting, not every man can’t lead!

When this international men’s day was coming up, I had to reference back 8 months ago when we were asking the same ol’ tired question around International Women’s Day: “When is International Men’s Day?” Over and over again it was a hot-button topic and still is. Men, did we forget this? For the folks who complain and piss and moan all day: did we complain?! I’m sure many will complain in the next 4 months into 2019 that when another Women’s Day comes around, there will be many more complaints about asking about a men’s day that is worldwide. Already, folks are saying “We have Father’s Day!” or “The whole month of November is for the Movember Movement to get men to think about their health……” or “the pay gap is unfair and men are just messing up to get what we think!” Ya think?! Not really close. Of course, the pay gap is unfair and unbalanced. But that’s not the reason why International Men’s Day shouldn’t exist. And plus not every MAN is a FATHER! Let’s be clear, females! Stop saying Happy Father’s Day to the men who don’t have kids! When the men have children, then you can say that!

As I was reading the think tanks via Social Media, The Guardian Newspaper out of the UK, and talk shows like Ellen today, and even The Forum on Real Resistance Radio this morning: the theme of the day was talking about International Men’s Day. Many have joked about this day occurring, but when you think about these stats from the International Men’s Day Website:

“Men face a series of health challenges that need to be addressed in order to have our communities function to their fullest potential.”

With all the other health concerns listed here: we know that the average man dies early, getting lung cancer and yes heart disease/prostate cancer/colon cancer mostly more than women. BUT…..when you talk about Men dying more of Suicides and above all else being victims of Domestic Violence! Yes ladies, men can be victims of being abused physically, mentally, financially and yes spiritually. And other bad influential beings. Now we know why the International Men’s Day has come into the light since 1999. Be advised ladies!

It’s almost in comparison like, when we have let’s say in the United Methodist Church, a day set aside for Women for Women’s Day (depending on March or May) and yet Men’s Day is set aside for mostly in June around Father’s Day. And here’s another kicker: I don’t hear any complaints about having a UMW Group and UMM Group so why are we tripping about having a day for the Men? Grow up, folks.

Men of the world: yes all of us dudes that are single, married, widowed, divorced, in life partner relationships of any kind, active in the classroom, active at work, active in the Church, active in the community of choice, active as introverts (yes I’m one of them), active in the health fields, active in business ownership, active with fraternities, active in the military/veterans groups, active in entertainment,active in politics (in a nice way) active in many other factions: continue to guide your end of the ship to get to the point of where YOU want to go.

Men of the world whom are unemployed, underemployed, underappreciated, forgotten, overlooked, beaten up, scared for life, picked on, generally attacked, disrespected, physically/mentally/spiritually and financially attacked (by both MEN and WOMEN no matter what year or timeframe), discouraged, humiliated, embarrassed, or any other feeling of disrespect or left out: I would say man up, but excuse my french: HELL NO! If you are a man that has been wronged by these words, it’s ok. If you felt this way or still feeling this way, you are NOT A PUNK! I don’t know who started this crap to think that Men aren’t supposed to feel this way (either men or women) but this crap MUST STOP WITH MEN, PERIOD! It must stop with a strong family. It must stop with a strong education. Strong jobs, strong economic values, strong health and wellness, strong community, strong neighborhoods, strong faith, and a strong structure of better endeavors that many must grasp! It must STOP! And the rebuilding begins with healing. And I don’t know that forgiveness comes in at times, even though it’s hard to forgive.

And to the men who are the Dark Horses or the Unsung Heroes. And I’m one of these also. Those whom have been undiscovered and still have some talent: the folks will know your name. But for now, keep them guessing and keep your game under wraps. Be that STILL dark horse that many (either other men and women) will stop denying you! They will regret you for not picking you to join their team and I dare say employment!

Men, even though that this International Men’s Day of 2018 is coming to a close for another year, and all have happened, what will we do for International Men’s Day 2019: The 20th Anniversary? What will we do between this International Men’s Day and the next? What will we do? We hear it from the Women that Men need to step up. I agree! But again I ask as Man: a Black man from the United States of America: what’s next to step up too? That’s the million dollar question.

Now, ladies. You may talk. But enjoy OUR International Men’s Day, gents! Between now and the next November 19th every time. But not every March, OK?!

For more info about International Men’s Day, here is their link. I would say that this should be useful around every November 19th. But it can be useful to summarize every day!

Its been a while since I’ve done a rant. But recently, our soon to be gone Governor Scott Walker had his finger pointing mess button about the recent election he lost to the next Governor to be Tony Evers. In a recent Facebook Post, the City of Milwaukee Election Executive Director, Neil Albrecht has written a post in the response of the criticism. He writes:

Office of Governor Scott Walker

Dear Governor Walker,

In a recent commentary to the media, you identified that delays with Milwaukee’s processing of 47,000 absentee ballots on Election Day came down to “incompetence as opposed to corruption.”

To make an allegation that Milwaukee’s administration of the midterm election lacked competence is unsubstantiated, reckless and damaging to the public’s confidence in the integrity of elections. Your claim is particularly egregious given your and the Wisconsin legislature’s inaction to proactively address the issue that led to the delay in processing ballots.

Every step of Milwaukee’s Election Day processing of 47,000 absentee ballots was compliant with state law and election rules related to election administration. Additionally, observers from your campaign, your political party, the public, and the media were present. At no point did any person issue a challenge to what was occurring. Rather, observers expressed appreciation that the nearly 200 people that supported the City’s central counting of absentee ballot operations were well-trained and operated with efficiency, fairness, and transparency.

The two-hour delay we experienced in processing those ballots was attributable to a number of factors, which included the volume of ballots and our need to reconstruct ballots emailed to military and overseas voters, as well as ballots with voter errors or those that had been damaged in the mail or through the sealing of the absentee envelope. The need to reconstruct a ballot is in no way an indication of incompetence but rather a process that occurs in every municipality in this state during the tallying of absentee ballots.

The public’s interest in early voting in Milwaukee, in Wisconsin, and nationally, has increased exponentially with each general election. The City, in partnership with other municipal and county clerks, has attempted to work with lawmakers to come up with a solution to the volume of absentee ballots that must now be processed on Election Day. Numerous opportunities to address this issue, such as establishing true early voting in Wisconsin or allowing clerks to begin opening absentee envelopes the day before the election, were presented to the legislature and largely ignored.

The blame for Wisconsin’s myriad antiquated election laws that fail to address emerging election issues and lead to delays in the publication of election results rests with you and the legislature, not with the City of Milwaukee Election Commission. Further, I believe your mischaracterization of what occurred warrants an apology to the City’s nearly 2,500 election workers that approached their assignments with a profound sense of civic duty, responsibility, and integrity.

Sincerely,

Neil AlbrechtExecutive Director

What you just saw was the official statement from the Executive Director himself. Not some fake news out the conservative wackos that want the plagues of America. When I read this post online, I had to agree with all of what Neil said. And for a very good reason. Now many calling this to say oh, the governor called out all the poll workers whom he blamed for the L on election night. Well, guess what, Walker can kick rocks. He can kick rocks all through the last day of his Governor reign because he had to realize and this goes for every candidate on the ticket that EVERY VOTE, EVERY VOTE MUST BE COUNTED! From the first to the last. I like many others who had to stay up until 1:30am to see the ballots count actually counted. No, I was not at the Election Commissioners Headquarters to see in person, but yes like many of you reading this, I had to see it on live TV. And yet, the results were exactly it should be FAIR. I mean does the thing about making sure Every Vote Counts does ring a bell? Is this what we want? That is the point in asking.

Also, for all the idiotic yahoos that they claim to know about election inspecting, you don’t know squat. You don’t! All you know is the poll workers that you see at the sites with the name badges and handing out ballots to the registered voters. And if those who aren’t registered, are sent to the registration table in which you see also those who have on Badges on. Even those who are Chief Inspectors. Same thing. What many don’t understand is that we Poll Workers work hard for one stinking day out of OUR Schedules of Families, Employment, College Classes, Volunteering and all just to HELP YOU! Many of us are retirees, students, workers who are in between jobs, and other occupations and organizations. All walks of life! And for all of you who somewhat know what it’s like and yet complain, you can all shut your mouths! You don’t know the training, the will to work, the ability and also you don’t know what goes on in the training that many have to be retooled EVERY TWO YEARS of making sure that we get the objectives right. Every single time when I step into a polling place, I come there to do a job. Plain and simple. A job to make sure that many are registered, or wanting to be registered so they can take care of business and go home. We go through about 2 hours of training each time before an election and we spent time away just to read over manuals that we are given. And of course, we ask questions to those in charge of the classroom because we want to be straight on the information that is given. And of course, no matter where we get sent to, either a firehouse, a school or whatever, we have to keep in mind that yes we have to work hard! And we’re doing this FOR YOU! What does it mean to be a poll worker? What does it mean to help officiate a polling site and expecting a full turnout or a small turnout? What does it mean to do this? For you idiots that are mindless, or those so-called politically correct, let me tell you. And don’t criticize. Don’t you dare do it! If you know the Election Inspectors game, to me, it’s like any other job out there. It takes dedication, works ethical solutions, and overall passion for being to assist those in the community. This is a community job that only happens ONE DAY our of our leisure. I’m not speaking of many who are poll workers, but I’m speaking for myself as a poll worker. As of November of 2018, 12 years. 12 years of being out and helping those that want to be assisted to get their voices heard! 12 years of dedicating my time to help my community. 12 years of bringing my passion and heart just to get out and do work for others in this ministry. Oh, yes I did say ministry. Can any of you punk haters say that? Can any of the so-called high and mighty politically do this and not be so hypercritical or conscious? I dare ANYONE on the outside looking in: I dare anyone (and I MEAN ANYONE) to STEP UP and try it. Prove it. Back it up.

Prove me wrong that you can do this!

CALLOUT: And if you can’t back it up, that makes you a coward. Yes. I just went there.

Yeah, I already know that this Poll Working gig or Election Inspectors job is not an everyday thing. I wish it were. If it were, it should be in mini offices every single day that would guarantee more job growth and more education of being engaged in the process of VOTING! Oh yes, this message is for all the poll workers who grind hard every day and for those who didn’t have a voice. I know that the election commission had their say as indicated, but here on this blog page, this is my turn to say something! Just for the record, this commentary here is not sanctioned by the City of Milwaukee’s Election Commission. These are my own words.

Usually, this might be long forgotten about. But unfortunately its only the beginning that yes, the ISH just got real. This ISH of showing the hypocrisy of Walker, and others like him that crumble on the City of Milwaukee in a sense is no surprise. And a direct slap in the face!

So yes, I should be fired up and ready to work. But be careful who and what you ignite. Chances are, the burning feeling may not be so mutual.

For all of the Election Inspectors in the game; I included; no matter if you’re working the polls for the first time, the second time, 5th time, 8th time, 12th year, 20th year, or maybe to 50 years working. No matter if you’re a chief inspector that has been there and done it so many times. Or whatever role we do every time during these election cycles. Even if we do Part Time or Full Time. OR BOTH. Remember this: we do this for a reason! We should be praised for our work and appreciated that we dedicate ourselves to this cause. It’s not easy at times, but at least we try each time. No matter who or what arises in between. And I don’t go around to other companies or jobs and talk smack about them. Mainly because I don’t know that job experience of what everyone does. I don’t!

Oh yes, the haters just don’t understand. They don’t. Even if it’s the soon to be gone, Governor Scott Walker. After all, most of this in my view was his idea and his fault due to his dumb policies.

Ok so now we are about two days removed from one of the most talked about midterms in history, I like everyone else is bone tired from the ads and also the get it over with the mentality of getting through with this election!

I think in this, Wisconsin had made another historical feat of this election. Yes, I said it!

So, answer me this Wisconsin folks what do you think was the determining factor of this midterm election? I’m going to say this I believe that the most common, and the most interesting and the most determining Factor was when Tony Evers and Scott Walker were in the dead heat of the governor’s chair. And eventually, it had a lot of twists and turns along the way. I had to admit, it was a lot of twists and turns in which that ultimately led to this one final decision that Tony Evers eventually won the election over Scott Walker. Man, we have to ask, how did Tony Evers pull this off? I mean for real how did he pulled this off? If you have been following the Tony Evers connection, you would have known that number one, Tony Evers is well known in Wisconsin. Particularly as a state superintendent of the schools. And two, that his supporters who wanted him to run kept it on the real down low. So yes, he worked like a ninja!

While on the other end, we all know by now that Mandela Barnes will be the new Lt. Governor for the State. On this point, he will be the FIRST African-American Male to hold that position. EVER. Wisconsin in its 170 years as a State in all, has NEVER had a black person to hold a position of Governor or Lt. Governor. I’ve asked in the past, when will Wisconsin have someone from the Black Community to be Governor or close to it? Well, it appears that the Lieutenant Governor part is done, but next in the future, the head Governorship is well in reach. Oh yeah, I’ve met Mandela on several occasions and yes he is an alum of my alma mater, John Marshall High School in Milwaukee. Speaking of that: when word got out that Evers and Mandela won, yes I shared the news article on my alma mater’s Facebook Page. There were about over 100+ likes on the Milwaukee Marshall HS Alumni page and yes there were many positive vibes. However, there’s always that one member that had to say something negative and dumb. The commenter brought about Mandela and this thing about “ratchet parties”.

In 2009, there was an advertisement on Facebook about this event called, “Vicky Parties” It was a lingerie party. And yes, Mandela’s name was attached to the event. Plus, he was just 22 years old. Now OK, a lot of us who are older than 22 years old can obviously say “well when I was 22, I didn’t do those things. I kept out of trouble and worked hard after college in all that.”

Don’t get me started! Yes, I was 22 also, and the thought about me going to ratchet parties was not even thought about. And guess what, at 22 I was still in college. A technical college in Milwaukee. Had a job working between classes in all and still living with my parents. So what? But in the case of Mandela Barnes though, this story that happened in 2009 means nothing! And yes the commenter on the Milwaukee Marshall Alumni Page ain’t saying nothing else about this 9-year story that MEANS NOTHING! Was Mandela arrested? Did he get booked? Was he even suspended without pay? Fined? What was the crime for this?! There were no booking papers. No arrest warrants. None of that. So what was the real crime here?! That story then and now means nothing and it’s still nothing. For all those who feel that especially that fool on Marshall’s Alumni Page thinks that this incident or story is not appropriate for him to serve the people of Wisconsin, you need to check 45 about him grabbing women by the Vagina Parts in all and oh, he won 2 years ago. Why is Trump NOT IN JAIL?! I’ll never know.

With them being the big winners in the State, the challenge of them will come up in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 to battle the now Republican-led Assembly that might limit powers of the Governor’s position out of the mouth of Speaker Robin Vos. And others who feel that it should have been Walker all the way. Well, this I think “power decrease idea” of Robin Vos is a high crime that needs to be broken because this is the same group of fools that were in favor of driving the way of the High-Speed Rail, budget repair bills, bragging about the 250,000 jobs (which NEVER HAPPENED) busting up Unions that was fairly well respected, slashing Education funding, Foxconn, not letting Hard Rock build a casino in Kenosha and many other blunders that the soon to be former Governor Numb Nuts had messed up! And the barrier of this, many of this really started in Milwaukee where Walker was using computers on company time as County Executive. Oh, don’t you remember that? This soon to be former Governor was just that: dumb! And this is the same guy was going around with his high school diploma and failing college out of Marquette University? This guy?!

So after 8 dismal years of pain, in the state of Wisconsin: Walker IS DONE! He along with Rebecca Kleefisch (a former Milwaukee Channel 12 reporter mind you) can pack their bags and leave Madison. They have done their damage and yet they can go. Let them get their lack thereof acknowledgments and all and after that: BE GONE!

Now I want to shift gears here: I need to talk about the role of African-Americans and this disdain of one person’s opinion of being black and voting should not be vital. Press play.

Black Conscious Folks: shut your mouths! I’m just listening to Roland Martin’s segment on Tom Joyner’s Morning Show. And a lot of us have been telling other black folks that we shouldn’t be voting and such.

If many of us on social media got these so-called conscious folks that have no endgame, no purpose, no goals, always pointing the finger at others but not themselves, thinking they are all smart and such other things: let them go! Take them off your lists, your contacts, your buddy lists and get them off your life right now! You don’t need some so-called conscious fool who thinks like Malcolm X or an Original Black Panther telling you not to vote and it doesn’t have a goal for political objectives. You all who have them on your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Snapchat, and countless others: Delete them! Take them off the list. They are not worth talking to.

All of our lives, politics have been in us. From the Cradle to the Grave. It’s going to impact all of us. And it still does. So I don’t want to hear some fake conscious dude about “oh don’t vote, there is no black agenda….” Look here: If you want a black agenda you need to step up your game and actually work to create one! Why don’t you create one that could benefit the valor of the BLACK COMMUNITY?! Oh yeah, we know it, BUT how long can it be valuable?

Black folks, I know we are conscious proud people. No question. But again, we need to stop listening to all these fake conscious negroes that telling us about this disdain about not voting and other stuff. And that goes for following folks on your Social Media lists who feel that all Pastors are evil wearing Fake Jesus Shirts being a demigod. Or believing that so much about them and not about many. They don’t have an answer. Just opinions. Bad opinions!

Well to conclude, Wisconsin: we got work to do. In the words of our state motto: FORWARD!

By now, Veterans Day weekend has come and gone, and yet we still appreciate. This Veterans Day marked the 100th Anniversary of the ending of World War I. That’s 1918 you know. Likewise like many, there are Veterans that are or were not appreciated for their service being skipped over or whatever. Regardless of the dilemmas and the regardless of opinionated thoughts, Veterans you are still appreciated! So in the ongoing honor of this Veterans Day, here is a blog letter for you.

And if you are a Veteran that likes what I write here or the comments on the Stephen’s Spot on WordPress Facebook Page or the Stephen’s Spot Twitter Page, I thank you. It’s only the beginning!

Dear Veterans (and Veteran families) of the United States of America:

It’s me Stephen, a son of a late Vietnam Veteran that served proudly.

Yes, this weekend was and is your weekend. I have 4 words to share for this holiday weekend of yours: Reclaim your Veterans Day! I sampled that from the infamous Congresswoman Maxine Waters who kept constantly saying, “reclaiming my time” over and over again. Yes that Maxine Waters, or now being chosen as “Auntie Maxine.” More on that later. But seriously, Vets it’s your time to reclaim the holiday that is meant for you. This is your time to take the heart of this occasion to summarize all of the war stories, service stories, lectures, and also experiences that many of you endured in uniform. We or those of us that haven’t done the job, we go around that, yes having the opinionated thought about wars and many others. Of course, we have that. But however, without the will of God and you guys, that would not be very possible. Yes, of course, many of you have your say of what you did and yes, your commentary is still and always valid.

But the game doesn’t stop there. Matter of fact, it goes on until the wheels fall off. Even it goes on every day at work, school and leisure. Speaking of the challenges, most recently in our daily government problems, there is an ongoing concern about our so-called president lagging behind when it becomes the statuses of our Veterans. And it’s related to the Department of the Veterans Affairs that many of them are not getting their VA cash due to the fact that it’s an IT issue. Wait a minute? An IT Issue?! Seriously?! And to further the fact that the 45th so-called President is letting this happen. Did I mention that the so-called president never visited the troops overseas? Hmmmmm………..I wonder what happened with that? Oh, that’s right he pretends he cares but really not! Veterans and Veteran Families, you need to step up and get on 45’s butt and get your funds. Many of you probably were in favor of 45 to be the President. But if I were a real supporter of his, I’ll be all over him like white on rice! Vets, get your game faces on!

Now Veterans: yes your day and weekend of appreciation will be concluded, but your ongoing ideas, appreciations, and services on this side, will still continue. Like last year, I hinted that you need to connect with the younger veterans who are currently starting out and settling in after their service. Many of you probably have that idea in mind. Continue to do so! Young Vets, respect the OG’s that came before you. It may not be pretty, but like I always suggest that it takes respect to get respect. They are the Military Elders and been in the game longer than you! I’m just saying. As always yes, the non-vets can hear and receive advice from you about your ideas to continue our cause as we move forward. No matter if it’s a job, community time in the church, health, wellness, counseling, or any other idea that is able to do, hey we would welcome and respect it. If I were running a company or a division in a company, yes I would hire veterans in a heartbeat. Why you ask? Since many of you been in places that many of us have seen on TV, why not you? Just asking.

Finally, many of you looked at the video above. And many ask why this? Well, if anyone looked at SNL last weekend, yes during the Weekend Update, Pete Davidson made a joke about the newly Texas Representative Lt. Dan Crenshaw. Yes, I know that he’s a Republican and I don’t like Republicans after the debacle dumb and stupid decisions of Don…you know whom I’m talking about. But yes, Pete apologized on his end and yet let Lt. Crenshaw did a little ribbing and accepted his apology. Yes even though it was about an eyepatch, but his eyepatch for a reason was due to an IED explosion in one of the tours in Afghanistan. Yes, he suffered that injury and paid a price. It’s interesting that it almost pales in comparison with the late Sen. John McCain in his stories being a POW during the Vietnam War in Hanoi being tortured after his capture. We may not have to like it. But yes, they are Navy War Veterans from two different Generations of Battle. But yet respect must be given. We either like it or not. I’m talking to us non-vets here. We know. But to conclude, both Lt. Crenshaw and Pete agreed on one similar two words: Never Forget.

So……To all the Veterans that got the welcome treatment: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that never got the welcome treatment but got it in small appreciative tokens of appreciations later on: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans who are homeless and still keeping hope alive for the better: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that were forgotten or being left out: Never Forget.

To all the Veterans that were never acknowledged for their service of any kind, but got acknowledged later on: Never Forget.

To all the WWII Vets: Never Forget.

To all the Korean War Vets: Never Forget.

To the families of WWI: Never Forget.

To the Vietnam Veterans and families: Never Forget.

To the Veterans of Grenada, Beirut, & the Cold War, and Families: Never Forget.

To the Veterans of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Families: Never Forget.

And yes….to the upcoming Veterans and families of Current war on Terror/Iraqi Freedom/etc. – Never Forget!

Additionally: To all the Women Veterans that blazed new paths and set new tones: Never Forget.

To all the Male Veterans: even though you have long historical experiences in the war in uniform, still never forget!

To all of my and every African-American Veteran: Historically, African-Americans have been in every conflict of wars since the beginning. Even when fighting for the flag and the country that didn’t want them due to race. These are facts, not alternative opinions altered by anyone political. Even with all this: I say NEVER FORGET!

And to all those of other ethnic Veterans ranging from the Indigenous to the European and all: yes, you too should Never Forget!

Never forget your time, Veterans. You have earned the stripes and flowers. Reclaim your Veterans Day!

Well, it has been a minute that I have written a scratch blog, but as I sat back and listened to all the mess in regarding 45, Brett Kavanaugh, the Midterms, and more stories of women getting raped and others, it’s clear that this came at the right time. There is no question about it.

But yes, I’m scratching my head again.

Males: we know October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But during September, did we wore light blue for Prostate Cancer Awareness? And oh, why don’t we see no “Fight like a Boy” gear or stickers with the light blue ribbon?!

When it comes to Introverts and yes I’m one of the many, why that is still a problem for many WHO DON’T UNDERSTAND?! Ask your kinfolk, church folks, co-workers, teachers, etc.

25 years ago, I was so hooked on the Wisconsin Badgers Football team. How has that team really paved way for the next squads that did Rose Bowl wins? Even for the school, and the state? Plus that 1993 squad was the first I saw winning something, ever!

It seems that the Brett Kavanaugh saga is just starting to unravel. All these back stories coming out. And just today, a key Republican Susan Collins just supported to get him on the bench of the Supreme Court. Women I need to ask, you really back this crap? And many feel that the decision “raped” every single American today! Screwed up! If only just only that the more votes should have happened in November of 2016………oh wait!

45 just made a comment about the concern about the sake of the nation’s boys. Really?! What brought this on? Like seriously.

In the local midterms of Wisconsin, if Scott Walker were to win in November, it would be his last. Should Tony Evers and Mandela Barnes just make that happen like under 30 days? Like November 6th?

For all the so-called Woke Conscious folks: Can you please lay down your weapons for once and actually VOTE THE F UP?!

How will the 2018-19 Wisconsin Badgers do without those whom cowardly left the squad?! Come on, man!

Oh, it seems that Halloween is upon us. Let me guess, which demons should we exercise right now? Even if his name is……..you guessed it. Same with females.

For all of the movies lately, why Venom?

For all of my Introverted folks: whatever you do, please do not be a Summer Program Developer in your community! It’s not for us being semi-communicative. Is there a way that there are Developer Programs that INTROVERTED folks can come to? No matter if it’s for a church, or community organization? I need answers! And plus it’s a problem if you have no training or apprenticeships! Or should I say ONGOING Training or Apprenticeships?

Since it’s already Autumn, what has or will be an “Autumn Suprise” coming up? And everyone will be talking about it. Just wait.

I should ask: what’s up with those Brewers? In a good way? Postseason wise.

Why is the United Methodist Church talking about the One Church Plan stuff, and not enough of it is being presented to the Black Methodist Community? Like Black Milwaukee?!

While many of you are laughing about this, the Milwaukee Streetcar (aka The Hop) is debuting on Friday, November 2nd, 2018. Which is like 2 days after Halloween. And 20 days before Thanksgiving. And many of the FB laughable are still making jokes. Hmmm…..we’ll see who has the last laugh. Won’t we?

Is the Fiserv Forum really ready for the new era of Milwaukee Sports and Entertainment? Will the Bradley Center be missed like already, The Marcus Amphitheater at Summerfest?

For my black British folks, I know that October is your month of Celebrating Black History. And yes there were or are Hackers that tried to shut your page down in a racist manner. Man, check those fools! STAY WOKE! Why? The hackers are just scared of the truth about black culture, black existence, and black excellence in all areas! And yet they hack the pages in order to have this fear. Again: As we Black Americans would say, STAY WOKE! Any questions?

Why this quote means well? “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.”

When we say “It’s Harvest Time” we really mean to say, it’s time to take in the plants. Agree?

Why is Columbus Day is still celebrated in America, KNOWINGLY Columbus was really a thief?! Can’t stand the holiday! And usually bad luck for me gets around Columbus Day. Not with it!

With the blue wave still intact, can it withstand the October Surprise?

How will Black Lightning favor for Season 2?

I’m sure many are not job shaming Geoffrey Owens now since he is no longer bagging groceries for Trader Joe’s, right? Ever since that boost from Tyler Perry giving him a shot on The Haves and the Have Nots.

This needs to be asked: why isn’t the WWE promoting Prostate Cancer Awareness in September? We know Childhood Cancer Awareness and Breast Cancer Awareness. But yes the Men’s Health Awareness must be included. I’m just saying, WWE!

Wishful thinking: should the franchise of Revenge of the Nerds be rebooted? Nah, keep the originals!

Since the Packers are in their 100th Season, has it been a slow start? But hey, they’ve started slow and got hot when it’s stone cold. Prove me wrong.

Millennials, your favorite latte season is back. Oh, you know we still say Fall or Autumn, right?

And the last thing to ask: now since Bill Cosby is in jail, and many of the folks non black usually goes free, and you know many ask: why is still the Justice system is BROKEN?! Many because of unfair treatments?!

Before you read my commentary: watch this footage from Roland Martin Unfiltered.

Did you understand all of this? What does it remind you of? Think about all those times when your so-called friends, co-Workers, and others looked at your gear had to make comments like, why you got on this, or what’s up with those shoes. If anyone is like 45 and under and part of an era where that talk was going on you know what I’m talking about. I can relate to the commentary of this from Roland Martin’s new show, and yes you can view it anytime online you want. Unlike cable and/or Satellite you have to pay for it. But this was so related because many of us can go though the jones just because they got this and they the same ones looking fly are making fun of you because you don’t have it. From Elementary School to High School even guys like me had to succumb to getting from Pro Wings to Nikes in a matter of years.

I’m saying this because one it’s the truth. And two, many of us in the community, especially in the Black Community have this problem of what folks do and don’t have and it’s almost a picking contest. I really need to ask, what was and is the point in all of this?! What’s the point? Is it trying to fit in, or being in a clique, or just to make a impression on a girl/guy? What is the real problem?! Most of my teen life and childhood I couldn’t hang with it and got sucked in. But now as an adult I really need to ask this now, what is or was the point? Yeah I’m 41 years old and most of my clothes shopping isn’t like the 90’s anymore. The game has changed. But despite of the game being changed up, it seems that I thought that particular part should have stayed in high school. But, I was so wrong. Even grown folks can be foolish at times (no matter the age) that getting all materialistic will win a popularity contest, but it won’t!

And the point of the matter is, this is why part of this generation is messed up in the head. It’s not the younger folks fault. Blame the grown ups! That is what it’s about. It’s the fault of the grown folks because they’ve seen this kind of blueprint and the kids just modeled after it. If anyone had to recall, the parents whom had to work hard to provide either living or deccased, we the grown folks nation of now Generation X didn’t listen then, but after seeing all this, we have to begin to understand.

For all the idiots preaching this to the kids now, congrats: you’ve played yourselves. All those times folks were saying, why those cars, why that headphones, why this, why that. Many of us working folks DO NOT have the time nor the patience to see who got what. So he has a nice motorcycle with the jet engine frame. GOD BLESS HIM! She has the new Nike pumps for the date night. God Bless Her! So what! I’m not trying to compete with them! The only person I’m competing is the reflection on the mirror everyday. Me.

That is your real competition. Everyday when you wake up and ask, what’s next?

And for all those doing this bickering, you don’t pay no rent, or bills in that person’s house! You don’t know their story, but why do you still trip about their livelihood?